Enjoy a little more comfort as you trek to the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu

This trip follows a similar itinerary to our popular Inca Trail trek but with upgraded hotels throughout, an included Sacred Valley tour and included sleeping bag hire. While on the trek itself, we also offer a more varied range of meals and a higher personal weight limit than on our standard Inca Trail itineraries, allowing you to take more clothes and personal items to give that little extra comfort. This trip is designed to maximise the time spent at Machu Picchu with an early morning tour of the ruins, quieter at that hour before the crowds of day trippers and other trekkers arrive. (Alternative remote Moonstone Trek available when Inca Trail Permits have sold out).

Highlights

Guided tour of Machu Picchu to discover the ruins

Visit the Sacred Valley, including Pisac and Ollantaytambo

Free time to explore the museums and churches of the ancient Inca capital, Cuzco

Two days to acclimatise before the trek

Alternative Moonstone Trek available when Inca Trail permits have sold out

Responsible Travel

At Exodus, we believe in the power of Responsible Travel.

We operate a zero‐impact policy on the Inca Trail, removing all waste from campsites and separating it so that it can easily be recycled or composted. Using a toilet tent at our lunch stops and in camp removes the need to dig holes at campsites, and alleviates the waste problems caused by the fixed toilet blocks. Our camp staff are paid a fair wage and receive all accommodation, transport and food during the trek. They are also trained and encouraged to put environmental protection practices to use in their own communities. The porters we work with are not directly employed by our local partner but we work with the same communities each year; we supply uniforms, walking shoes and provide safe transport and community support for them. Our Trek Manager is a leading figure and consultant for the Porters' Federation, which campaigns for the fair treatment of porters in the region.

In Cuzco and Aguas Calientes there are opportunities to visit the markets and purchase local handicraft products or to sample Peruvian street food; try the Mercado San Pedro in Cuzco for local produce and the artisan market in Aguas Calientes for textiles. This helps to spread the income from tourism to the wider community. Although Machu Picchu is the highlight, Cuzco itself is awash with magnificent Spanish churches and Inca Museums ‐ your entrance fees to these historic and archaeological treasures (and the cost of your Inca Trail permit) contribute towards their preservation.

Every time we travel, we are part of a global movement that creates jobs, builds more sustainable societies, encourages cultural understanding and safeguards common natural and cultural heritage. To learn more about what Responsible Travel means to Exodus click here…

Itinerary

Day 1

Day 2

Set amidst hills in the altiplano, the Imperial City of the Incas, Cuzco (3,400) was the geographic, cultural and political centre of a vast empire which, at its peak, stretched from present day Quito in Ecuador to Santiago in Chile. After the Spanish conquistadores invaded the city they started building on top of the Incan structures, resulting in unique architecture, a fusion of the Incan and Spanish colonial styles.

The group flights usually arrive in the mid-afternoon, giving time to wander the cobbled streets admiring the old houses, visiting its interesting museums, churches and pre-Columbian buildings, such as Qorikancha – the Sun Temple, or to sit in a café, enjoying a coca-tea watching locals go about their business.

Day 3

Today we visit the magnificent Sacred Valley of the Incas and the incredible ruins at Pisac before continuing on to Ollantaytambo, where we spend the night.

The Sacred Valley, which runs along the Urubamba River near Cuzco, is the true heartland of Incan culture and tradition, which is still strong today. The high-Andean scenery is dotted with old towns and villages dating back to pre-Columbian times. The ruins of the Citadel at Pisac guarded a road from the lowlands and gives way to a picturesque landscape of terraces carved into the solid rock itself. Whilst the Inca ruins at Ollantaytambo give you a sense of the scale of what is to come as huge stone terraces scale the valley sides. This was the royal estate of Inca Emperor Pachacuti as well as being of religious and defensive significance.

Day 4

Those who are doing the Moonstone Trek will join a separate transfer to the trailhead - please refer to the Moonstone Trek trip notes for your trek itinerary.

The Classic Inca Trail is a tangential branch part of a 45,000km road network linking the whole empire to Cuzco. It was built in the 15th Century to reach Machu Picchu but was abandoned soon after the Spanish conquest. American adventurer, Hiram Bingham travelled along the trail when he came across Machu Picchu in 1911. The trail opened to the public in 1970.

We leave Ollantaytambo this morning and take a short drive (approx. 45 minutes) to the start of the Inca Trail at Piscacucho, commonly known as Km82. After greeting our trekking crew we show our passports at the checkpoint and begin the Inca Trail trek. The trail runs alongside the Vilcanota River beneath the impressive snowcapped Nevado Veronica, passing through cactus gardens and fields of corn until we reach the enormous Inca ruins of Llactapata, where we continue up a side valley to camp near the hamlet of Huayllabamba.

Huayllabamba CampFull-service Camping

Meals included:
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

Day 5

This is the longest and most strenuous day of the trek. A long climb takes us first through an area of cloud forest to the meadows of Llulluchapampa, then over the Warmihuañusca (Dead Woman's) Pass, at 4215m the highest point on the trek. After quite a long, steep descent we camp in the scenic valley of the Pacamayo River (3600m).

Accommodation: Pacamayo CampFull-service Camping

Meals included:
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

Day 6

We start the day with an easier climb which takes us past the ruins of Runquracay and over the Runquracay Pass (3930m). From now on the Inca Trail becomes a clearly defined path made of flat boulders. We pass the ruins of Sayajmarca and suddenly enter rainforest; at one point the trail passes through an Inca tunnel. We camp on the ridge above the Inca site of Phuyupatamarca (3680m) to benefit from the views of sunset and sunrise.

Accommodation: Phuyupatamarca CampFull-service Camping

Meals included:
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

Day 7

From the ridge, we embark on the infamous Inca steps: a two kilometre stone staircase taking us rapidly downhill amid a panorama of overwhelming immensity, with the peaks of the Vilcabamba range above, and the river thousands of metres below. After visiting the attractive ruins of Wiñay Wayna, we have an undulating walk through cloud forest high above the river to Inti Punku, the Sun Gate. From here we get our first full sight of Machu Picchu itself, with Huayna Picchu rising behind.

Traditionally busy with groups of trekkers clamouring for photos, we plan our arrival at Inti Punku later in the day so we can enjoy unobstructed views of the magnificent ruins. Passing around the edge of the ruins, we exit the site and descend to Aguas Calientes for a well-earned rest, a shower and a comfortable bed for the night. Our trekking permits allow us one entry into the site, which we use for our tour tomorrow, but anyone wishing to visit the citadel on both days can purchase an additional entry ticket today - your tour leader will assist with this.

There is usually time for an optional visit to the hot springs in Aguas Calientes, however, in recent years they have become over-crowded and the water quality can suffer as a result. We will be reunited with those who have been on the Moonstone Trek at the hotel this afternoon.

Day 8

In order to beat the day-trippers arriving from Cuzco and reach the ruins as early as possible, a very early start is required to queue for Machu Picchu; only government-registered buses can make the 30-minute drive up the winding road to the site entrance and during high season (May-October) queues can be hours long.

Machu Picchu is one of the architectural and engineering marvels of the ancient world and what makes it all the more dramatic is its mountain backdrop of staggering immensity. The Spaniards never found it; the Incas left no records of it, and so Machu Picchu remained a great enigma, a city lost for centuries in the jungle until it was rediscovered in 1911 by the American historian Hiram Bingham.

Having been trialled in 2017, new regulations for visiting Machu Picchu will be fully enforced for 2018; of the three possible visiting slots, Exodus will purchase the morning slot from 06:00 until 12:00 (unless unavailable), you will be limited to a maximum of four hours within the site and must be accompanied by a guide. There will also be three set routes to follow around Machu Picchu; Exodus selects the most comprehensive route.

We catch an afternoon train back to Ollantaytambo (1hr 30 mins) and continue by private bus to Cuzco (2hrs 30 mins).

Day 9

Today has been left free to relax after the trek or explore Cuzco further. There are a number of optional excursions available which your tour leader can arrange for you. If you still have the energy you could choose to mountain bike in the Sacred Valley, taking in a 30-35km ride through Moray, Maras and the small village of Pichingoto. Alternatively you could try your hand at paddle boarding on Lake Piuray near the town of Chinchero. Or, if feeling more subdued, take it easy and watch the world go by in Cuzco’s Plaza de Armas.Comfortable Hotel

Meals included:
Breakfast

Day 10

For land only travellers, the trip ends in Cuzco after breakfast today. Those who are travelling on the group flights will be taken to Cuzco airport this morning for your domestic flight to Lima where you will connect with your overnight international flight to London.

Extend Your Trip

Amazon Rainforest extension (from Cuzco)

Code:
XPC

Easily accessible via a short flight to Puerto Maldonado from Cuzco, the Amazon is the world's largest rainforest and home to an astonishing array of wildlife, as well as countless plant species. Spending three nights at a lodge in the incredibly rich Tambopata Reserve, we use motorised canoes to explore its lakes and rivers, and follow jungle trails to discover its dense forests. The detailed itinerary can be found here.

Please ask your sales consultant for more details.

Lake Titicaca extension

Code:
XPT

Journey across the spectacular high altiplano to Lake Titicaca, the world's highest navigable freshwater lake (3,800m). Explore its waters by boat and visit the descendants of the Uros Indians who live on floating reed islands, and are also known for producing fine textiles. Back on the mainland, we visit the pre‐ Incan site of Sillustani, comprised of burial towers with fantastic views over the region. The Titicaca Extension is only available after your main tour as we do not recommend arriving straight into Puno due to the altitude. The detailed itinerary can be found here.

Essential Info

Visas

Peru

Visas are not required by UK citizens, Western European nationals, Americans, Canadians, Australians, New Zealanders, South Africans and most other nationalities. If you are in any doubt please contact the nearest Peruvian Embassy.

Vaccinations

Peru

There are no mandatory vaccination requirements.

Recommended vaccinations are: Polio, Tetanus, Typhoid, Hepatitis A.

Zika fever is a mosquito‐borne viral disease and a known risk in Peru. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available and therefore the best form of prevention is to avoid being bitten. We recommend you take the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites.

If you are travelling to the Tambopata reserve in the Amazon rainforest, the risk of malaria is slight, but you may wish to consult your GP or travel health clinic for further advice. We also strongly recommend that you obtain a Yellow Fever vaccination. Dengue fever and/or Chikungunya are known risks in the Amazon region. Both are tropical viral diseases spread by daytime biting mosquitoes. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available for either, and therefore the best form of prevention is to avoid being bitten. We recommend you take the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites: always apply insect repellent and wear long-sleeved shirts and trousers while in the rainforest to avoid being bitten.

The above information can change at short notice; as we are not qualified to answer all your questions about travel health we strongly recommend you contact your Medical Professional or a Travel Health Clinic at least 8 weeks prior to departure for up‐to‐date information.

Eating and Drinking

All breakfasts, 5 lunches and 3 dinners are included in the price of the tour.

Peruvian cuisine has developed a reputation for its flavours and originality and it’s well worth trying out a few of the local delicacies. Amongst these are ceviche (a spicy dish of seafood or fish marinated in lime juice), lomo saltado (a Peruvian take on a beef stir-fry) and various hearty soups such as the delicious quinoa soup. Other dishes include roasted cuy (guinea pig), Alpaca steak, and to drink, the national beverage: Pisco Sour.

In the hotels breakfasts are normally buffet-style.

While on the trek itself, we also offer a more varied range of meals than on our standard Inca Trail itineraries to give that little extra comfort. For instance, substantial breakfasts including a cooked dish, a cooked lunch including soup or a starter followed by a hot main dish (usually with hot drinks), and a hearty three-course cooked dinner, are typical.

Drinking water is provided. The tap water in Peru is not safe to drink; boiled and filtered drinking water is provided on the trek and elsewhere your leader will buy large water containers for you to refill your bottle from.

Weather

Peru's diverse geography results in a very varied climate between different regions.

Cuzco and the Andes have a temperate climate. December to March is the rainy season in Cuzco/the Andes and April to November is the dry season; characterised by clear skies and strong sunshine in the mornings, sometimes clouding over as the day progresses. Daytime temperatures are usually pleasant (approx. 20 degrees C on average) but night times only 5-10 degrees C, except for May, June, July and August when days are cooler and nights are often close to, or a few degrees below, freezing. In the Andes, however, anything is possible at any time of year, including cloud, rain or even snow, and rapid and unexpected changes!

Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu are in the cloud forest and as such attract large amounts of precipitation all year as clouds move up from the Amazon Basin. Rain here can be heavy, but is seldom prolonged. Cold fronts sometimes occur from July-August.

Peru is affected by the El Niño weather phenomenon whereby warming of Pacific Ocean surface water off South America drives a shift in the atmospheric circulation resulting in abnormally high levels of rainfall over parts of South America. These events occur at irregular intervals of two to seven years, and last nine months to two years. A strong El Niño event occurred in 2014-16.

Cuzco, Peru

Is this trip for you?

This is a Moderate grade trek (level 3) - please refer to our activity level guidelines. There are four days point-to-point walking with full porterage, reaching a maximum altitude of 4215m, average 3050m. Though not without its difficulties (in particular the ascent and descent of the first pass, known as Dead Woman's Pass!) this trek is certainly possible for anyone in a good state of health and fitness, but we would not recommend it as a beginner's trek to anyone with no previous trekking experience. If you are not a regular walker you should put in some physical preparation beforehand. The trek is also not particularly suitable for those with bad knees due to the number of steep and uneven steps, particularly on the third and fourth days of the trek.

As this trip spends considerable time at altitude, we ask you to refer to the altitude warning within the Trip Notes. We spend one day in Cuzco (3400m) and one in Ollantaytambo (2800m) acclimatising before starting the trek.

Protest action/strikes are not uncommon in Peru, and whilst these are generally peaceful, they can involve roadblocks and cause disruption to travel. Occasionally your leader may have to adapt your itinerary in response to this.

Walking hours stated within the itinerary are given as approximates only. Timings stated include lunch and photo stops and will vary depending on the pace of your group.

Inca Trail Regulations

There are a number of important regulations regarding the Inca Trail that we would like to make you aware of:

Spaces on the Inca Trail are on a first come, first served basis and we urge you to book as early as possible.

If you cancel your booking more than 8 weeks before departure and wish to transfer your deposit to another departure or another trip the transfer fee is £150 as we will lose the permit we have purchased on your behalf. This is an amendment to our Booking Conditions. No transfers are possible within 8 weeks of departure.

Bookings can only be made if we are supplied with your full name, passport details, date of birth and nationality, exactly as per the passport you will be using to travel to Peru (this information is used to purchase your Inca Trail permit). If your passport details do not match those on your permit you will be refused entry to the Inca Trail by the local authorities.

Should the passport used to purchase your permit be lost, stolen or expire before your Inca Trail start date, you must purchase a new passport and notify Exodus immediately as we will need to apply to amend your Inca Trail permit. To do so, you must supply copies of both your old and new passports to Exodus in advance of travel and pay an administration fee of £25. For this reason, we strongly recommend that you make a copy of your passport at the time of booking and keep it somewhere safe.

Please be aware that these regulations may change at any time, and Exodus is not responsible for the decisions made by Peruvian authorities.

There is a possibility that the Peruvian authorities may increase the entrance fees to the Inca Trail, Machu Picchu and other major sights at any time. If they do so, we will inform you of this increase and the extra amount will need to be paid locally in cash in Peru.

Please Note: Whilst your departure date may be 'Guaranteed', your Inca Trail permit itself will initially be 'On Request'. If travelling within the current year we will try to purchase your permit immediately upon receiving your booking. If travelling next year, we will apply for your permit as soon as they are released for sale. In either case, in the event that we are unable to get your permit we will contact you to discuss your options. *2018 Inca Trail permits are on sale now.*

Alternative Moonstone Trek

Once Inca Trail permits have sold out for a given date, we can no longer accept bookings for the classic Inca Trail trek. However, we can offer an equally spectacular alternative trek (not requiring a permit) in its place. The remote high altitude Moonstone Trek takes in a number of recently discovered Inca and pre-Inca archaeological sites and there are practically no other tourists along the route.

If selected, the Moonstone Trek will replace days 3 to 6 of the standard land only itinerary. The maximum altitude on the Moonstone Trek is 4625m (higher than that of the classic Inca Trail) and the route is slightly more strenuous. Therefore we class it as a Moderate/Challenging trek (level 4).

Day 3 Trek past ruins and hamlets to the village of Chillipawa.Day 4 Up the Accoccosa Pass and onto the high pampas.Day 5 Continue along a narrow canyon and Incan aqueduct before crossing over to the Inca quarry of Canchiqata. Day 6 Descend to Ollantaytambo where the trek ends; catch train to Aguas Calientes and re-join the rest of the group.

Depending on the split of the group between the Inca Trail and Moonstone Trek, you may find small group sizes on the Moonstone Trek. Please ask your Sales Consultant if you would like to know how many people are booked on each.

Whilst the Moonstone Trek can also be booked preferentially while Inca Trail permits are still available, a small group supplement may apply.

Accommodation

Premium Hotels & Camping

The hotels normally used are indicated within the itinerary however accommodation may differ from those stated depending on your departure date. On this Premium holiday, the hotels that we use offer greater comfort than those on our standard Inca Trail tour - all are a minimum of a local 4-star rating. All of the properties are centrally located, with en suite bathrooms and breakfast facilities and many feature Colonial architecture. In Cuzco the properties that we use are all located within the old town and within walking distance of the Plaza de Armas. All hotels have a safety deposit box in the room.

Please note that central heating is very rare in Peru, even in good standard hotels. Most hotels provide plug in heaters and spare blankets.

The trek itself is on a full-service camping basis, meaning that our camp staff will erect and dismantle the tents for you, cook, and do all of the camp chores for you. You need only carry your day pack. We use three-man tents for those on a twin share basis and two-man tents for singles. The tents are relatively spacious with enough room inside for the kitbags. We provide thermarest-type mats which are about 4cm thick when inflated and 3-4 season sleeping bags with a liner.

We also have a dining tent complete with table and folding chairs, and toilet tents for use during lunch stops as well as during the evenings. A hot drink and a bowl of warm water (to wash with) will be brought to your tent each morning.

We recommend the early booking of single supplements and of pre/post-tour accommodation. A limited number of single supplements (hotel and tent) are available on this trip from £340; please request upon booking.

Reviews

Exceeded Expectations - Inca Trail - Breathtaking

I have just returned from Peru and would thoroughly recommend this trek. From enquiry to booking and throughout the trip, the service was excellent. Having been on several other trek's throughout the world I had high expectations and these were exceeded! The Inca Trail is an incredible journey and our guide was exceptional. Throughout I felt well looked after, the customer care was superb. I would happily recommend Exodus to anyone, it was 25 years since my last holiday with Exodus, I will not leave it so long this time!
The porters were an inspiration and the food provided on the trek was superb!

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Every part of the journey was an amazing experience, but the moment you first see Machu Picchu has to be the highlight!

What did you think of your group leader?

Our group leader Tomas Llancay was exceptional, he had the patience of a saint, a lovely sense of humour, is very knowledgeable and cared for us throughout. Tomas really could not do enough for everyone. It is clear he loves his job and is proud to work for Exodus.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

This trip is rated as a 3 and suitable for anyone with moderate fitness. Having been on a number of trek's, as this trip is at altitude I would grade it a 4. There are some steep hills and we had all weather to contend with, which at altitude is a challenge. That said if you have a good level of fitness and a positive attitude, I would thoroughly recommend this trip!

Wonderful Moonstone Trek!

Our group of three selected this trek as we wished for a more challenging and less crowded hiking route. The scenery was gorgeous and we also saw many Incan sites, p,us examples of everyday life---children walking down the mountain to school, a family harvesting their potato crop, animals being moved to high pastures, etc. Aside from another group of about ten hikers (which we passed early each day and never saw the rest of the day), we were alone to enjoy the unbelievable vistas and beauty of the country! Our guides were very knowledgeable and we felt well cared for. And kudos to our cook who managed to feed us wonderfully and with great variety!

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Although I'd have to say Machu Picchu was the crown jewel, seeing the beautiful stars at night, fabulous sunsets, and visiting Incan burial sites were all awe-inspiring!

What did you think of your group leader?

For the trek we had Tina, who was great fun and took superb care of us. It was as if we took another friend along! We were able to hike at our own pace and felt very well looked after. During our time in the city, and with the entire group, Fabrizzio was just as good! He was very knowledgeable about Incan history and culture, and had obvious pride in his country and heritage, as did Tina.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

This is some tough hiking! I'd advise going a few days ahead to Cusco for extra acclimatization. (And drink the coca tea ALL the time!)Being aerobically fit does not necessarily help overcome the altitude issues. Bring a pole or poles! (Even my 22 y-o daughter found a pole useful to steady her footing.) Nights at altitude are VERY cold (near freezing)l although daytime temps are mild. LAYERS! The sun is fierce! Have a good sun hat plus sunscreen.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Don't overpack. We had more than enough of the right clothes and just used a carry on bag plus a day pack. Consider the Moonstone Trek if you'd like a more challenging and equally beautiful hike with plenty of Incan sites along the way. I personally like the peace and quiet of the trail versus constantly passing and being passed along the trail, so I found it perfect in that regard. I read "Turn Right at Macchu Picchu" before I went, and HIGHLY recommend it as informative and entertaining reading to get yourself in the mindset for the trip!

Inca Trail in Comfort

Very well organised trip.A lot harder than the impression given on the website and very challenging if fitness levels not good. Altitude sickness can be a problem and do come prepared to cope with all weathers.The food provided by the porters carrying the luggage was excellent. If you like learning about history and being active this is the holiday for you.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Climbing the steep steps to the Sun Gate on the final day in pouring rain knowing we had finally made it to glimpse a first view of Machu Picchu virtually deserted

What did you think of your group leader?

Raul Valle was excellent in his knowledge of sights, flora and fauna along the way and kept our spirits up when the weather changed. He set the walking pace according to our different fitness levels in the group. His organisation skills were excellent and his idea of having a group kitty saved a lot of messing about with the different groups of people responsible for taking care of us over the 11 days.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Keep your packing down to essentials only, take dry bags and be prepared to be physically challenged.

it was a challenge

Well I can honestly say this was the hardest thing I have ever done, but at the same time, the sense of achievement after walking through the Sun Gate and seeing Macchu Piccu, it was incredible and emotional.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Finally reaching the summit of Dead Woman's Pass, I never thought I would finish the incline, but with the group and words of encouragement from Dennis our leader, I finally got there.

What did you think of your group leader?

Dennis Dolmos was great, he made sure we were all ok, assisted when anyone was struggling and encouraged us all.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Do not underestimate this trek, do some training beforehand. You can not account for the altitude but good cardiovascular and leg training will help.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Peru is a lovely country, the food and team who look after you are incredible. Excellent trip.

A fantastic time on the Inca trail!

Fantastic 4 days trekking to Machu Picchu. Our guide Wilbert Ramos was truly exceptional - managing our timing so we missed the crowds, fluting us up the mountain and continually impressing us with his encyclopaedic knowledge. Thank you Wilbert!

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Cloud city campsite. Spectacular sunrise there.

What did you think of your group leader?

He was a superstar.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Inca Trail in Comfort

Overall a fabulous trip that gives you a great insight into the culture and history of Peru alongside the personal challenge of the Inca Trail. Fabricio and Marcia were great guides who gave everyone the space to complete the hike in their own way. Service on the trek with respect to food and camping were also exemplary. We were very well looked after. Would highly recommend!

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The four days of the trek but particularly the day over Dead Woman's Pass - a great challenge and space to think!

What did you think of your group leader?

Fabricio was a great leader, very knowledgable but also accommodating of the different abilities on the trek with respect to trekking and personal comfort vis a vis camping

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Get the weigh down in your pack as much as possible by bringing only wicking away tops, zip off/roll up trousers, light weight trainers, spray deodorant and sachets of shampoo for hotel at the end. Also bring a small nail brush - sometimes they have them in hotel rooms to suggest you liberate one if you see one. Also a headscarf is your hair is long is much more effective than dry shampoo! Also a poncho is a must!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Altitude can affect anyone but if you improve you fitness ahead of time if you feel the altitude then you only have this pain to deal with rather than the pain for the hike also.

What did you think of your group leader?

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Fantastic experience!

A great trek, with the added benefit of an inspiring history!

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

This was my first experience of South America, wild camping and remote trekking, all 3 have provided memories which will last a lifetime! I feel privileged to have had the opportunity to experience the trek with such a great group.

What did you think of your group leader?

Nothing was too much trouble for "Olly", having completed the trek over 300 times he was an expert in all areas and had plenty of enthusiasm. He can also run up the monkey steps to the sun gate in seconds!
Our bags failed to arrive until 2 hours before the trek departed from Cusco (through no fault of KLM or Exodus), and Olly went out of his way to ensure we had a back up plan to hire and buy necessary gear.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Make sure you have strong bug spray and a buff or bandana to wrap around your neck. It was hot and sunny everyday during an October trek!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

The premium version of the trip was well worth the extra cost, the last night being in a hotel with a shower was much anticipated by the whole group!

A trip of a lifetime

What a fantastic trip.
The Inca Trail and the visit to Machu Picchu are to be savoured. There is a need to take lots of pictures (decent camera recommended) as there is just too much to take in. Reminiscing by relaxing, going through the photographs on a large screen, glass of wine in hand is a great way to relive this experience of a lifetime

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

I was looking forward to the Inca Trail in particular, and saw the visit to Machu Picchu as secondary, and potentially over-hyped, especially after visiting lots of Inca sites on the trail.
I am pleased to say that the trail certainly didn't disappoint, I loved every minute of it. I am also pleased to say that Machu Picchu itself actually exceeded expectations; words like awesome and inspiring help but it is difficult to find words to adequately describe the experience, it really does have to be experienced at first hand.

What did you think of your group leader?

It helps to have a great leader, and we had one of the best. "Olly" was the glue that held the group together and made the whole experience special. His knowledge was second to none, and his confidence soon spread through the group. With everything being "20 minutes", along with our often recited phrase of "Where's Olly", these memories will live long.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Prepare for a long flight(s) and if you are not a good road traveller then I would suggest closing your eyes a lot.
Don't worry about any 'altitude' issues, acclimatization will come quite quickly.
Don't be squeamish about the use of 'facilities' whilst on the trail, and throw yourself wholeheartedly into it.
Prepare for a fantastic lifetime experience.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

The extra "in comfort" package is well worth it, if for no other reason than having the ability to have a long soak in the bath at the end of the trail, rather than another night in a tent.
A good group makes all the difference and I was certainly lucky to have one of the best.

Dates & Prices

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An overview of flight options

Exodus is committed to making joining our tours as easy as possible, wherever you live. We generally only block book seats from London, but this certainly does not mean that you need to fly from there. Depending on the route and airlines available, there will usually be various options available for those who want to fly from their local airport.

This page aims to provide a useful overview of the options available to our clients. However, the best flight arrangements should be tailored to your personal requirements, so please contact our Sales team for expert advice.

What kind of options do I have ?

1. We can book for you: Flights from anywhere in the world - not via London

Depending on the route, this may be direct or via an overseas hub like Amsterdam, the Middle East or elsewhere. On short haul routes there may be direct flights with low cost airlines, charter flights or scheduled airlines. Exodus can book most, but not all, of these for you. The most appropriate airline may be different to that which we use for the group flight from London, but many people now travel on different airlines and meet up with their fellow passengers at the destination.

Pros

Cons

May be the most direct route

Often the extra fare compared to the London flight is minimal.

As you will be in the hands a single airline for your entire journey, the airline will be responsible for your bags and your connections.

You may not be able to join the group transfers. However, we can usually arrange private transfers, or book your flights to try and coincide with the group transfers. See notes on transfer arrangements below.

2. We can book for you: Connecting flights from your local airport to London

Exodus can book connecting flights to London so you can join the group flight there. Connecting times will be followed according to airline advice, or as requested by clients. There are two types of fares we can use for this option: a 'through-fare' or a 'published fare'.

a) A 'through-fare' is where you will be in the main airline's care throughout. You change planes, but your bags are checked all the way through to your final destination.

b) A 'published fare' ticket is completely seperate from your onward ticket from London. It is usually cheaper than a through-fare but will need to be paid for and issued as soon as it is booked. This can be a problem if your tour has not yet reached minimum numbers. On 'published fares' neither airline is aware that you have connecting flights, so Exodus is responsible for timing your connection, not the airlines involved. The tickets are also usually non changeable and non refundable.

Pros

Cons

Depending on the fare type, Exodus or the airline is responsible for flight connections.

Through fare tickets can be expensive.

On a published fare, tickets must be issued immediately; tickets on published fares can be very difficult to change if onward flight times change; bags are not checked though to your final destination.

Published fares are non-refundable.

3. Booking some or all of the flights yourself

You can also book connecting air travel yourself, either to London, or all the way to the start point. There may be certain airlines or routes we don't have access to, so this is always an option. However, if you make your own travel arrangements you become liable for any delays, cancellations or missed connections, and Exodus is not required to offer refunds if you have trouble reaching the start of your trip.

Pros

Cons

You might find cheaper fares, or routes not available to Exodus.

You are responsible for any delays or missed connections, and the cost of the tour is not protected should you miss your flight be cancelled.

Notes on transfer arrangements

Sometimes it is possible to travel on a different airline to the group flight from London. Where this is the case, we need to think about ensuring you meet up with the group with minimum extra cost and hassle.

On certain trips, it is easy to arrive on a different flight and still meet the group at the hotel with time in hand. We can usually arrange private transfers (at extra cost) or offer advice on taking a taxi to the start hotel.

On other trips (especially in Europe), the transfer meets the group flight and then travels some distance to the first night's accommodation. Where this is the case, our Sales team will try to arrange flights that arrive before (and depart after) the group. However, we do have to make it clear in your final documentation that if your flights are delayed, the transfer cannot wait for you. While Exodus or our local operators will do what we can to help you reach the start point of the tour, any additional costs must be paid by the client.

Next steps?

Inca Trail Permits: An Inca Trail permit is required to walk the Inca Trail. These are strictly limited and are highly sought after, therefore we strongly recommend booking at least 6-8 months in advance to avoid disappointment. 2018 Inca Trail permits are now on sale so don’t delay! On dates where Inca Trail permits have sold out we can offer the spectacular remote Moonstone Trek in its place – please enquire for details.

Inca Trail Permit Status: Whilst your departure date may be 'Guaranteed', your Inca Trail permit itself will initially be 'On Request'. Inca Trail permits are strictly limited and are only released one year at a time. We cannot reserve or pre-purchase them. If travelling within the current year we will try to purchase your permit immediately upon receiving your booking. If travelling next year, we will apply for your permit as soon as they are released for sale. In either case, in the event that we are unable to get your permit, we will contact you to discuss your options.

Many of the flights and flight-inclusive holidays on this website are financially protected by the ATOL scheme. But ATOL protection does not apply to all holiday and travel services listed on this website. Please ask us to confirm what protection may apply to your booking. If you do not receive an ATOL Certificate then the booking will not be ATOL protected. If you do receive an ATOL Certificate but all the parts of your trip are not listed on it, those parts will not be ATOL protected. Please see our booking conditions for information, or for more information about financial protection and the ATOL Certificate go to: www.atol.org.uk/ATOLCertificate If you book arrangements other than an ATOL protected flight or a package holiday, the financial protection referred to above does not apply. Our ATOL number is 2582 and our ABTA number is Y0751.

The Foreign & Commonwealth Office and the NHS has up-to-date advice on staying safe and healthy abroad. For more on security, local laws, plus passport and visa information, see https://travelaware.campaign.gov.uk